Interfaith Hospitality Network

Prairie and 23 other Madison churches have joined together as the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Madison to create an overnight shelter and daytime hospitality center for homeless families. The shelter rotates weekly among 12 host churches.

Guest families (up to 14 persons total) are lodged each night at the shelter. A van transports them between the shelter and hospitality center. During our assigned shift, Prairie provides volunteers to help with meals, laundry, homework mentoring, and social activities for children. The average length of stay is about six to eight weeks, while the families find permanent housing.

IHN needs alarm clocks, conditioner, fabric softener, a clothes iron, lotion, Madison Metro bus passes, phone cards, baby wipes, blankets, cleaning supplies, diapers, Gameboys and games, 13- or 55-gallon garbage bags, gift certificates for malls or discount stores, Kleenex, family movies on VHS tape, paper towels, pillows, pillow cases, pots and pans, plastic and metal silverware, toilet paper, and washcloths.